Kansas City shelter warns pet owners to prepare for a hot July Fourth

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - As Kansas City bustles to prepare for a hot Fourth of July, one area shelter has warned pet owners not to forget about their furry friends.

Every year, Wayside Waifs says that summer has two events that impact pets: hot weather and the Fourth of July. In 2025, it just so happens that both will happen in the same week. Leaders are now stressing the importance of protecting your pets.

In the heat, shelter officials said pet owners should be sure to:

• Never leave an animal in a parked car. Inside, the temperature can rise to fatal levels on hot days, even with the windows open. A pet suffering heat stroke could suffer organ damage or experience suffocation.
• Keep pets inside as much as possible. Just like humans, animals need comfort to help regulate their bodies safely.
• Always provide shade and water when outside. Try to take pets outside during the cooler hours in the morning or evening.
• Asphalt can get very hot and burn paws. Choose a cooler walking surface like grass or shaded trails.
• Be aware that animals can suffer from heat stroke.
  • Symptoms in dogs include panting, sweaty paws, very red gums and vomiting.
  • Symptoms in cats include panting, drooling, a rapid pulse and fever.
  • If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, call a vet immediately.
• Avoid humidity as it can be dangerous and hinder a pet’s ability to cool itself.

As for July Fourth, Wayside Waifs said pet owners should keep the following in mind:

• Keep animals inside in a quiet nd safe place. As fireworks and other loud activities happen, pets could experience fear and anxiety. While inside, animals should be in a quiet and familiar place, like a crate or pet bed. It is beneficial to surround them with recognizable items like toys or blankets. White noise like music, TV or a fan can help drown out the sound and calm pets.
• Do not take pets to see fireworks. Shows are crowded, noisy and unfamiliar, which can cause them to be overwhelmed.
• After the celebration, check the yards for the remains of fireworks. Even if none were set off on the property, debris can make its way there. Pets can easily pick it up and mistake it for a toy or snack.
• Keep pets away from grills and bonfires.
• There are many products to help calm pets during celebrations. For example, calming treats can reduce anxiety. These can be found at the Wayside Waifs Whiskers and Wags retail boutique.
• Exercising pets before fireworks may tire them out and help them be less likely to be disturbed by the noise.
• It has been recommended that owners visit their veterinarians to learn about medications that could relieve stress or anxiety in pets.
• Ensure pets are wearing collars with ID tags that have been microchipped. If they do escape, they can be reunited with their families.

Shelter leaders have urged pet owners to think about how the heat and holiday affect their animals - do not wait until those days have come.

For more information about Wayside Waifs, click HERE.